The FDA has placed a recall of select Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips in its Class I category, the agency’s highest risk level, because a seasoning ingredient may have been exposed to Salmonella. The recall affects specific flavors, sizes, best-by dates and batch codes sold nationwide by Utz Quality Foods LLC.
The voluntary recall was first announced in May 2026 after Utz was notified that a seasoning made with dry milk powder, sourced from California Dairies Inc. and supplied through a third party, may have been connected to a Salmonella risk. The FDA later classified the recall as Class I, which means exposure to the product could cause serious illness or death in some cases.
Utz said the affected seasoning batches tested negative before use, and no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the company notice. The recall was issued as a precaution because the ingredient supplier’s recall created a potential food safety concern.
What the FDA Class I Recall Means
A Class I recall is the FDA’s most serious recall classification. It is used when there is a reasonable probability that using or consuming a product could lead to serious health consequences or death.
That does not mean every recalled bag is contaminated. It means the possible risk is serious enough that consumers should not take chances with the affected products.
The recall is especially important for households with young children, older adults, pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system, because Salmonella infections can be more severe in those groups.
Recalled Zapp’s and Dirty Potato Chips
The recall covers only certain products with specific UPCs, best-by dates and batch codes. The affected items include:
- 1.5 oz Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2.5 oz Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 8 oz Zapp’s Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
- 2 oz Dirty Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
- 1.5 oz Zapp’s Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips, 60-count cases
- 2 oz Dirty Maui Onion Potato Chips
- 2.5 oz Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips
- 8 oz Zapp’s Big Cheezy Potato Chips
- 2 oz Dirty Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
Best-by dates listed in the recall range from late July 2026 through August 31, 2026, depending on the product. Consumers should check the package carefully because not every bag of these flavors is part of the recall.
Why the Potato Chips Were Recalled
The concern is tied to a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder. Utz said it was informed that the ingredient, sourced from California Dairies Inc. and supplied by a third-party supplier, may contain Salmonella.
This type of recall can spread across several products because one ingredient may be used in different flavors, sizes or brands before a supplier issue is identified. That is why the recall includes both Zapp’s and Dirty products, even though the concern centers on the seasoning supply chain rather than the potato chips themselves.
Consumers tracking wider food safety actions can review this related update on FDA salmonella recalls involving packaged foods.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Anyone who has one of the recalled bags should not eat it. The safest step is to throw the product away or contact Utz Customer Care for refund information.
Utz Customer Care can be reached at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Retailers have been instructed to check shelves and inventory so the affected products are not available for sale.
How to Check Your Bag
Look for the brand, flavor, bag size, UPC, best-by date and batch code printed on the package. A flavor name alone is not enough to confirm whether a bag is included.
If the details match the recall notice, do not taste the chips to check whether they seem normal. Salmonella cannot be detected by smell, appearance or flavor.
Salmonella Symptoms to Watch For
Salmonella illness can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms often begin between six hours and six days after exposure.
Most healthy adults recover without treatment within several days, but severe illness can occur. Medical advice should be sought if symptoms are serious, persistent, bloody or accompanied by signs of dehydration.
Where to Find Official Recall Details
The full product list, UPCs, best-by dates and batch codes are available through the FDA recall notice.
Because food recalls can change as investigations continue, consumers should rely on the official recall page and the product package details before deciding whether a bag is affected.
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